Apple Buys Akonia Holographics, AR Glasses Display Start-Up

Apple offers augmented reality experienced in products like the iOS 11.3 tablet, released in March. Now the company may put AR technology developed by Akonia Holographics into smart glasses.​

LONGMONT, Colo.—Apple has acquired Akonia Holographics, a six year-old Colorado-based start-up that develops displays for augmented reality glasses. The terms of the deal were not announced, but Apple confirmed the deal, first reported by Reuters, via the typical statement it uses to verify acquisitions of smaller start-ups. Akonia’s website said the company is pioneering the world’s first commercially available volume holographic reflective and waveguide optics for transparent display elements in smart glasses. “Volume holography offers a unique combination of performance, transparency and low cost that will revolutionize the smart glass display industry. With its ultra-clear, full-color performance, Akonia’s HoloMirror technology enables the thinnest, lightest head-worn displays in the world. Looking forward, Akonia has already defined the technology required to achieve future improvements including even greater field-of-view (FOV) and light efficiency.”

Akonia holds over 140 patents pertaining to holographic systems and materials, according to the website.

Bloomberg News reported that Apple is seeking a breakthrough product to succeed the iPhone, and is said to be getting ready to ship an AR headset or device as early as 2020.